Kaynette Williams is a name that is often linked to country music star Blake Shelton, but she has accomplished much more than being married to him. Born Kaynette Francis Gern in Ada, Oklahoma, she has created her path, balancing a career in education, supporting women’s rights, and leading a more private life away from the spotlight.
While many know her as Shelton’s first wife, Kaynette’s life shows strength, independence, and personal development.
This article looks closely at the life of Kaynette Williams, from her roots in Oklahoma to Shelton’s early career, through her divorce, and into her work in education and advocacy.
Who is Kaynette Williams?
Kaynette Williams is probably most famous for being married to country music star Blake Shelton, but there is much more to her than just being a celebrity’s wife. She was born on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma, and has always been a strong and independent person.
She gained recognition not only because of her connection to Shelton but also for her dedication to education and women’s rights.
While she was married to Shelton, Kaynette played a key role in the early stages of his career. She worked as his road manager, staying behind the scenes and helping him through the busy and competitive music industry. These days, Kaynette works as an educator and is an activist for women’s rights, living a life focused on helping others.
Early Life and Education
Like many non-celebrities who marry famous people, not much is known about Kaynette Williams’ early life. She was born as Kaynette Francis Gern on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma. Reports say Kaynette is about 5 foot 6 inches tall and is a Christian.
Her father works as a news presenter at a local TV station, while her mother is a private school teacher. Her family is considered to be relatively wealthy.
In an early 2019 net worth analysis, she was estimated to have a net worth of over $600,000, which she earned partly from her many achievements in different fields. However, most of her wealth came from her divorce settlement with her ex-husband, Blake Shelton, who was reportedly worth $60 million in 2019.
Though not much is known about her early life, several sources discuss her early career. She was said to have been interested in pursuing a career in television because of her father. However, when she went to college, Kaynette earned two degrees—one in Finance and the other in Human Science.
After that, she showed interest in fashion design but decided not to pursue it actively due to a lack of time. Instead, she spent a lot of time hosting events in the entertainment industry, especially when Blake Shelton was becoming more well-known as a country music artist.
Who is Kaynette Williams’ Ex-Husband?
Kaynette was the girlfriend of one of the most well-known names in country music, Blake Shelton, since they were teenagers in Ada.
Their high school romance turned into a serious relationship, which led to their marriage on November 17, 2003, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At that time, Shelton was gaining popularity, and his music was about to receive national attention.
However, their marriage lasted only three years. The couple divorced in 2006, with Kaynette mentioning “inappropriate marital conduct” as the reason. Shelton’s increasing fame and the pressures of public life are believed to have played a part in their breakup. Even though their marriage ended, Kaynette’s influence on Shelton’s early career is still clear.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Shelton, Kaynette briefly went back to Oklahoma before moving to Great Bend, Kansas. She began a new chapter, this time as an elementary school math teacher, dedicating her life to teaching and shaping young minds. Along with teaching, she became involved in women’s rights activism, believing in equality and empowerment.
In Kansas, Kaynette also found love again with Cody Joe Scheck, a rodeo champion and world record holder in steer roping. The couple married and have kept a low profile, focusing on their personal lives and staying out of the public eye.
Net Worth
Kaynette’s estimated net worth is between $600,000 and $900,000, mostly coming from her work as a teacher. While the settlement she received after her divorce from Blake Shelton may have made her appear financially stable, she has built her life on her own terms, focusing on meaningful work rather than public attention.
Blake Shelton, on the other hand, is estimated to be worth over $100 million, showing that he has reached the top in country music. Kaynette is content and satisfied with her life choices, living them in a way that is very different from her ex-husband.
She reportedly accused Blake of “inappropriate marital conduct.”
While there were no official details about their divorce, Kaynette publicly stated her claims of inappropriate marital conduct against her ex-husband, Blake Shelton.
In addition, she reportedly tried to sell her Demetrios wedding gown (size 6), which she wore during their wedding, through a friend’s eBay account. She set the starting bid at $700, but there were no bids after that.
Blake Shelton described their divorce as painful as his brother’s death
In a 2014 interview with 60 Minutes, Blake shared that the divorce was the hardest experience he had ever gone through. He compared the pain of the divorce to the loss of his brother Richie, who tragically died in a car accident in 1990. For Blake, ending the marriage was a difficult decision to make.
In another interview in 2013, Blake mentioned that looking back, marrying his first wife was just the wrong decision in every way.
She is now an award-winning elementary school teacher
According to Country Fancast, Kaynette is now a math teacher at an elementary school in Kansas. She is also a women’s rights activist, working with several organizations that address the issues women face in society.
She also enjoys her passion for literature. After her divorce from Blake Shelton, there were few updates on her activities, although rumors about her sexuality surfaced, which she denied.
She is now married to rodeo champion, Cody Joe Scheck.
After her divorce from Blake Shelton, Kaynette did not remarry until 2015. According to Kaynette’s mother, Patricia, Kaynette and her current husband, Cody Joe Scheck, were introduced by a mutual friend. Cody is reportedly seven years younger than Kaynette Williams and is a rodeo champion, known for his world record in steer roping. The two now enjoy a quiet life in Kansas, away from the spotlight.
Social Media
Unlike most celebrities, Kaynette has chosen to stay away from social media. She doesn’t have active accounts on Instagram or Twitter and rarely uses Facebook. This has been a deliberate choice to maintain privacy in both her personal and professional life.
While many celebrities stay in the public eye and keep an online presence, her absence is a clear contrast. Staying out of the media spotlight has allowed Kaynette to live a quieter and more grounded life, free from the constant attention and judgment on social media.
Future Prospects and Vision
Kaynette Williams continues her work in education and fighting for women’s rights in Kansas. There don’t seem to be any upcoming projects according to her interviews, but given her passion for teaching and activism, it’s unlikely she will stop.
She remains an inspiration to those who know her story, showing how she reinvented herself and found happiness in a more private life.
Kaynette Williams is a symbol of survival, growth, and independence. From being part of Blake Shelton’s early career to moving into education and activism, she handled everything life threw at her with grace. Her story teaches us that personal growth often comes from stepping back from the spotlight and focusing on what truly matters.
[Updated: 04/03/2025]
